The USMNT looks to continue to march through the group stage round of the 2026 World Cup, with their second match being against Australia.
Mauricio Pochettino's squad won in resounding fashion against Paraguay, scoring four times and conceding just one goal.
Folarin Bolagun scored two world-class goals, while Damian Bodadilla and Gio Reyna added goals of their own. One of the United States' top forwards - Christian Pulisic - played a massive part in the first two goals scored, including notching an assist.
He was the best player on the pitch for the U.S. in the first half, but unfortunately, the AC Milan forward suffered an injury as well.
Pulisic has remained "day-to-day" ever since exiting at halftime in the match against Paraguay last Friday. He's nursing a calf injury that he said he got from a "bit of a kick in the first half."
Will Christian Pulisic Play Against Australia?
"I'm really hoping it's nothing," Pulisic continued immediately after the opening match. "I've had similar things before, and I'm staying positive. I don't think it's anything at all."
As of Thursday afternoon, the USMNT is still hoping. Pulisic hasn't yet been cleared to play against Australia tomorrow, though his teammates, and Pochettino, feel relatively confident that he'll play.
Pochettino described Pulisic's calf as "good" without elaborating, and U.S. midfielder Tyler Adams said "Christian will be ready, everyone...let's relax."
Pulisic has been training individually since the opener, and videos from Wednesday's practice showed him wearing a compression sleeve on his left calf, but running without a noticeable limp or pain.
There's been some debate on if Pulisic should play against Australia, and the win against Paraguay does give the USMNT some flexibility surrounding Pulisic's recovery. They don't need to win this game against Australia, though winning it does essentially ensure a birth into the Round of 32.
Perhaps Poch will use Pulisic as a sub and put him in the game only if it's close or the USA is behind. At the same time, Australia isn't as well-regarded as Turkiye is - the United States' next opponent after the Aussies - so maybe keeping Pulisic healthy till then is the correct approach.
Regardless, Pochettino and the USMNT have a big decision to make ahead of the match on Friday at the Seattle Stadium at 3:00 PM ET / 12:00 PM PT.
Check out Pulisic's goalscorer odds on site, assuming he plays and starts.
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